How to use Avance Solo - for patients

What is NPWT?

NPWT is a method of treating wounds using suction. After applying the dressing, which is airtight, the pump creates a suction pressure that clears the wound of fluids. This helps to reduce swelling, protect your wound from contamination, and improve healing conditions.

How does Avance® Solo work?

Avance® Solo creates a suction pressure over your wound to help it heal. Note that the pump will make a regular pulsing sound while it is turned on. This is completely normal and tells you that it is working correctly.

When and how do I change the canister?

If the canister is full and needs to be changed, the ‘Blockage’ light will flash. The pump will also pause and emit a beeping sound. You can confirm if the canister is full by inspecting the fill level through the window on the back of the canister. If a change is required, please follow the procedure in the video below. Whenever possible, you should change the canister with your healthcare provider

May I shower while using Avance® Solo?

Yes, you are free to have light showers during treatment with Avance® Solo, but you must:

1. Disconnect the pump
2. Never allow jets of water to get on the dressing

Watch this video to learn what you need to do before showering to avoid damaging the device and interrupting your wound therapy.

How do I clean the device?

You may clean your Avance® Solo device by wiping it with a damp cloth or a cloth containing a small amount of non-abrasive detergent. Please do not place the pump under running water.

What should I do if the ‘Blockage’ indicator light starts to flash?

If there’s a blockage, the ‘Blockage’ indicator light will flash. The pump will also pause and emit a beeping sound. This can occur in three situations:

1. There is a knot or kink in the tubing
2. One of the clamps is closed
3. The canister is full and needs to be changed

The following video provides brief instructions on how to fix a kink or open a clamp.  For instructions on how to change the canister, please see ‘When and how do I change the canister?’

What should I do if there is a ‘Leakage’ alarm?

If there’s an air leak, the ‘Leakage’ indicator light will flash. The pump will also pause and emit a beeping sound. To learn how to deal with an air leak, please watch this video.

What type of battery does the device require?

The Avance® Solo pump requires two AA 1,5V Energizer L91 batteries. Four batteries are included with each pump.

How do I know when the batteries need to be changed?

When up to 24 hours of battery time remain, the ‘Low battery’ indication light will flash once every five seconds.

When less than 4 hours of battery time remain:

1. The ‘Low battery’ indication light will stay active, flashing once every second.
2. The pump will repeatedly emit an audible alarm.

How do I change the batteries? 

To change the batteries, simply:

1. Remove the battery compartment door on the back of the pump by sliding it upward
2. Take out the two old batteries
3. Insert the two new batteries, ensuring that the ‘+’ (positive) and ‘-’ (negative) symbols on each end of each battery align with the corresponding symbols in the battery compartment
4. Close the battery compartment by sliding the battery compartment door downward

How do I know when therapy has ended?

When your therapy has ended, all indicator lights on the pump will flash with high intensity and the pump will emit beeping sounds in different tones. Watch this video for a demonstration.

How do I know if the device fails?

Internal failures are very rare. In the unlikely event that one should occur, all indicator lights on the device will flash with high intensity and the device will emit a beeping sound in just one tone, not in different tones, as it does when therapy has ended. If the device fails, please contact your caregiver or healthcare provider immediately.

Important points to keep in mind